Front Porch Baking Co. - downtown Lancaster

For discerning residents of Pennsylvania, especially those in and around Lancaster County, the search for truly exceptional bread and pastries often leads to a unique and deeply satisfying discovery: Front Porch Baking Co. While the prompt specifies "downtown Lancaster," it's important for local users to know that Front Porch Baking Co. has established itself as a "grain-forward, neighborhood bakery" with a primary retail location in Millersville, PA, and a strong presence in the broader Lancaster community, including online ordering that makes their delicious products accessible.

Front Porch Baking Co. is more than just a bakery; it's a testament to the art of traditional baking combined with a passionate commitment to local sourcing and community connection. Founded by Kristen Richards, whose baking journey was inspired by her German grandmother, Elsie, the bakery emphasizes natural leavening (using sourdough starter over commercial yeast) and a meticulous process that often takes a minimum of three days per loaf. This dedication to craft results in breads with complex flavors and nourishing qualities that have earned them accolades, including being recognized by Food & Wine as offering some of the "best breads in Pennsylvania."

A core philosophy of Front Porch Baking Co. is their unwavering support for Pennsylvania agriculture. All their breads and pastries are baked with 100% organic, PA-grown grain and flour, primarily sourced from esteemed local mills like Small Valley Milling in Halifax and Castle Valley Milling in Doylestown. This commitment not only ensures freshness and quality but also plays a vital role in promoting regenerative agriculture within the state and building a direct connection from "farmer, to miller, to baker, to consumer." For Pennsylvanians who prioritize local, sustainable food systems, Front Porch Baking Co. is a business that truly aligns with their values.

Beyond their celebrated sourdough loaves, Front Porch Baking Co. also crafts an array of carefully curated pastries. These treats, made with the same locally sourced grains, demonstrate that flour can contribute more than just structure; it can be a flavor component in itself. From cookies to cinnamon rolls and seasonal delights, their pastry offerings are designed to "illuminate the beauty of whole grains in an intentional, delicious way."

The journey of Front Porch Baking Co. began during the challenging times of 2020, with owner Kristen Richards initially providing contactless bread deliveries to neighbors' front porches, hence the name. This origin story highlights their adaptability and dedication to serving the community, a spirit that continues to define their operations today. Their growth from a direct-to-consumer model to a brick-and-mortar location in Millersville, while maintaining robust online pre-ordering options, showcases their evolution and responsiveness to customer needs. This article aims to inform local users in Pennsylvania about this exceptional bakery and its offerings.

While the prompt mentions "downtown Lancaster" and the address 170 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602, USA, current public information indicates that Front Porch Baking Co.'s primary retail location is actually at 513 Leaman Avenue, Millersville, PA 17551. It's possible the King Street address was an earlier or temporary location, or perhaps an administrative one. For Pennsylvanians looking to visit in person, the Millersville location is key.

Millersville is a borough in Lancaster County, situated a short drive southwest of downtown Lancaster city. The bakery's location in Millersville Center is generally accessible by car, with free parking lot availability noted in public information. This makes it convenient for residents of Millersville, Lancaster, and the broader surrounding areas to visit. Its presence outside the bustling downtown core might offer a more relaxed experience for some customers.

Beyond the physical bakery, Front Porch Baking Co. enhances its accessibility through an efficient online ordering system via their website. This allows customers across Pennsylvania to pre-order breads and pastries for convenient pickup. They also engage in CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) partnerships, such as with Fifth Month Farm, offering bread and pastry share add-ons with multiple pick-up locations throughout the Lancaster and even Philadelphia areas. This multi-faceted approach ensures that their unique, high-quality baked goods are within reach for a wide range of Pennsylvanians, irrespective of their immediate proximity to the physical store.

• Naturally Leavened Sourdough Breads: Specializing in a variety of artisanal sourdough loaves, including Classic Sourdough, Roasted Garlic Parmesan Rosemary, Jalapeno Cheddar, and Cinnamon Raisin.
• Organic PA Grain Baking: All breads and pastries are baked with 100% organic, Pennsylvania-grown grain and flour.
• European-Inspired Pastries: Crafting a selection of pastries that reflect European baking traditions, carefully made with locally sourced grains.
• Sourdough-Based Cookies: Offering slow-fermented sourdough cookies in flavors like Chocolate Chip, S'mores, and White Chocolate Macadamia.
• Sourdough Cinnamon Rolls: A tangy twist on a classic, with choices of cream cheese or vanilla buttercream icing.
• Sourdough Pizza Dough: Providing ready-to-use sourdough pizza dough for homemade pizza nights.
• CSA Add-Ons: Partnership with local farms to offer bread and pastry shares as add-ons to CSA vegetable shares, with various pick-up locations.
• Online Pre-Ordering: Easy ordering through their website for convenient pickup at their Millersville location or designated CSA pick-up spots.
• Seasonal Offerings: Incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables into their breads and pastries, reflecting the bounty of local agriculture.
• Coffee Service: Offering coffee (e.g., from Square One) to complement their baked goods, making it a complete stop for a fresh bite.

• Award-Winning Bread: Recognized by Food & Wine as having some of the "best breads in Pennsylvania," a significant testament to their quality and craftsmanship.
• 100% Organic PA-Grown Grain: A core philosophy and unique selling point, emphasizing local sourcing and support for Pennsylvania's regenerative agriculture.
• Naturally Leavened (Sourdough): Utilizing a sourdough starter (like "Gertrude") instead of commercial yeast, resulting in complex flavors and a longer fermentation process (minimum three days per loaf).
• Grain-Forward Approach: Highlighting the flavor and beauty of whole grains in their breads and pastries, moving beyond them simply being a backbone ingredient.
• Strong Community Connection: Born from contactless porch deliveries during COVID-19, the bakery maintains a focus on building lasting relationships with customers and giving back to the community.
• Easy Online Ordering: Praised by customers for the convenience of ordering through their website, streamlining the purchase process.
• Friendly Service: Customers appreciate the excellent service, contributing to a welcoming and positive experience.
• European Baking Influence: Owner Kristen Richards' background and training (including from a German grandmother and culinary school) bring unique, authentic European recipes like stollen and rye breads to their offerings.
• Versatile Offerings: From staple sourdough loaves to specialty cookies, cinnamon rolls, and even pizza dough, they cater to a wide range of needs and preferences.

Retail Location Address: 513 Leaman Avenue, Millersville, PA 17551, USA

Phone: (717) 746-8506 (Please note: They prefer emails, but you can leave a voicemail.)

Website: FrontPorchBakingCo.com (for menu, online ordering, and contact form)

Social Media: It is highly recommended to follow them on Instagram for updates on daily offerings, seasonal specials, and pop-up events.

Current Retail Hours (subject to change): Wednesday - Friday: 8 AM - 2 PM, Saturday: 8 AM - 1 PM. They take a full day of rest on Sundays.

For residents of Pennsylvania, particularly those in the Lancaster County area, Front Porch Baking Co. is an exceptionally suitable and enriching local business. Its suitability stems from a unique blend of artisanal craftsmanship, a deep commitment to local agriculture, and a genuine connection to the community.

First and foremost, the quality of their products is outstanding. The dedication to naturally leavened, grain-forward baking using 100% organic, PA-grown grain and flour sets them apart. This isn't just delicious bread; it's nourishing, sustainably sourced, and contributes directly to the local economy. For Pennsylvanians who care about where their food comes from and support local farmers, Front Porch Baking Co. is an ideal choice.

The convenience offered by their easy online ordering system and participation in CSA programs makes their exceptional baked goods highly accessible across a wider region of Pennsylvania. This flexibility caters to modern lifestyles while maintaining the charm of a small, dedicated bakery. Customer reviews highlighting "easy ordering" and "best bakery and service in town" underscore their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Furthermore, the story behind Front Porch Baking Co. — from its humble beginnings during the pandemic to its growth into a celebrated local establishment — resonates with a sense of community resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Owner Kristen Richards' passion for baking, rooted in family tradition and a desire to connect with her neighbors, shines through in every loaf and pastry. This personal touch and dedication to quality create a truly unique and beloved experience.

In essence, Front Porch Baking Co. is more than just a place to buy bread; it's a testament to local pride, sustainable practices, and the joy of truly delicious, wholesome baked goods. For Pennsylvanians seeking high-quality, locally sourced, and thoughtfully crafted breads and pastries, Front Porch Baking Co. is an indispensable and highly recommended local gem.

Front Porch Baking Co. - downtown Lancaster

170 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602, USA